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A man has been sentenced to two years in jail for assaulting the driver of a Gokwe-bound bus, which left him behind when he disembarked in Chegutu for recess. Frank Chipikiri (29) was a passenger in a Zvishandwa Bus Services coach on his way to Gokwe from Harare.

He disembarked in Chegutu intending to relieve himself, but the bus proceeded with the journey, leaving him behind.
Chipikiri had to hitch-hike to catch up with the bus, the court heard.

He later teamed up with his friend Zamani Kanyezi (30), and assaulted the bus driver, Edwin Muchina, in Gokwe.
The two pleaded guilty to assault when they appeared before Gokwe magistrate Mr Solomon Jenya who sentenced them to two years each.

The duo will serve an effective one year in prison each after the other year was suspended on condition of good behaviour.
The State led by Methuseli Ndlovu proved that on December 30, 2017, Muchina was driving a Zvishandwa Bus from Harare to Gokwe in which Chipikiri was a passenger.

Upon reaching Chegutu, Chipikiri disembarked from the bus without Muchina’s knowledge after a stop-over.
Muchina, the court further heard, departed, leaving Chipikiri behind.
Chipikiri chased the bus on foot and tried to jump onto its carrier’s ladder, but failed and fell, resulting in him sustaining injuries.

He hitchhiked and caught up with the bus in Kadoma.
He then confronted Muchina and demanded compensation for the injuries he sustained while trying to catch the bus.
Chipikiri threatened to “deal with” Muchina upon reaching their destination in Gokwe. When they reached Chinyenyetu Business Centre in Gokwe, a mob besieged the bus and accused Muchina of causing Chipikiri’s injuries. — Herald Reporter.